Obituary for Robert Douglas Meekins
Robert Douglas Meekins Sr., 92, passed away peacefully at Hancock Park, on November 13, 2022. Robert (Bob) was born August 10, 1930 to Quentin Frederick and Mabel Regina Meekins in Newton, MA.
At the age of six, the family moved to Roxbury, MA where he spent the remainder of his childhood. He went on to attend the historic Boston English High School. While at English High School, he ran track, played football and was a drummer in the City Championship Drum and Bugle Corps. After graduating in 1949, he worked as a printer before joining the United States Air Force in 1951.
Robert was a proud veteran who served during the Korean War and was stationed in Japan. He honorably served from 1951 to 1955, earning the Korean Service Medal, United Nation Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal, and Good Conduct Medal. He was also part of the 3650th Drill team in Geneva, NY in 1952.
Upon his return home to Roxbury, he met and fell in love with Mattie Lewistine Meekins. They soon married in 1957. Robert and Mattie chose to settle and make their lives together in Dorchester, MA where they raised three sons: Robert Douglas Meekins Jr., Gregory Quentin Meekins, and William Avery Powell. He taught them character and responsibility, leading by example. One of his mottos was, “Be prepared”.
A dedicated husband and father, Robert provided for his family and worked for the Boston Gas Company as a service technician. He retired after 20+ years of service. In his retirement, he was a devoted grandfather to his grandchildren and great grandchildren supporting them and helping them in every way he could.
Robert, lovingly known as Bob, Daddy, Big Bob, Pops, Poppy, and Uncle Bob by family and friends enjoyed life. He liked to travel, and appreciated good food, drink, and an occasional cigar. He had a sense of humor, enjoyed jazz and soul music, western movies, and watching boxing. If you spent enough time with him, you may have even heard him sing or whistle his favorite tune, or play the bongos! If you ever asked him, “how are you?”, he would always respond, “everything is copacetic”. We will keep all of these fond memories of him in our hearts.
Robert was predeceased by his parents: Frederick Quentin and Mabel Meekins; brothers, Frederick Herbert Meekins, Edward Meekins, and Ronald C. Meekins; and son, Robert Douglas Meekins Jr.
He is survived by his wife: Mattie L. Meekins; sons: Gregory Q. Meekins and wife Mary T. Meekins); William A. Powell and wife Leona Powell); sister, Mabel Julien; grandchildren: La Toia S. Alexandre and husband, Job J. Alexandre; Quentin E. Meekins and wife, Stephanie Meekins; Stephon A. Powell, Leah Powell, Jennay Campbell; great grandchildren: Preston T. Alexandre, Cyrah R.N. Alexandre, Jasher D. Alexandre, Jeremiah Meekins, Carter Q. Meekins, Curtis E. Meekins and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
Face masks are required for all individuals visiting the funeral home and church, regardless of vaccination status. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation.
At the age of six, the family moved to Roxbury, MA where he spent the remainder of his childhood. He went on to attend the historic Boston English High School. While at English High School, he ran track, played football and was a drummer in the City Championship Drum and Bugle Corps. After graduating in 1949, he worked as a printer before joining the United States Air Force in 1951.
Robert was a proud veteran who served during the Korean War and was stationed in Japan. He honorably served from 1951 to 1955, earning the Korean Service Medal, United Nation Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal, and Good Conduct Medal. He was also part of the 3650th Drill team in Geneva, NY in 1952.
Upon his return home to Roxbury, he met and fell in love with Mattie Lewistine Meekins. They soon married in 1957. Robert and Mattie chose to settle and make their lives together in Dorchester, MA where they raised three sons: Robert Douglas Meekins Jr., Gregory Quentin Meekins, and William Avery Powell. He taught them character and responsibility, leading by example. One of his mottos was, “Be prepared”.
A dedicated husband and father, Robert provided for his family and worked for the Boston Gas Company as a service technician. He retired after 20+ years of service. In his retirement, he was a devoted grandfather to his grandchildren and great grandchildren supporting them and helping them in every way he could.
Robert, lovingly known as Bob, Daddy, Big Bob, Pops, Poppy, and Uncle Bob by family and friends enjoyed life. He liked to travel, and appreciated good food, drink, and an occasional cigar. He had a sense of humor, enjoyed jazz and soul music, western movies, and watching boxing. If you spent enough time with him, you may have even heard him sing or whistle his favorite tune, or play the bongos! If you ever asked him, “how are you?”, he would always respond, “everything is copacetic”. We will keep all of these fond memories of him in our hearts.
Robert was predeceased by his parents: Frederick Quentin and Mabel Meekins; brothers, Frederick Herbert Meekins, Edward Meekins, and Ronald C. Meekins; and son, Robert Douglas Meekins Jr.
He is survived by his wife: Mattie L. Meekins; sons: Gregory Q. Meekins and wife Mary T. Meekins); William A. Powell and wife Leona Powell); sister, Mabel Julien; grandchildren: La Toia S. Alexandre and husband, Job J. Alexandre; Quentin E. Meekins and wife, Stephanie Meekins; Stephon A. Powell, Leah Powell, Jennay Campbell; great grandchildren: Preston T. Alexandre, Cyrah R.N. Alexandre, Jasher D. Alexandre, Jeremiah Meekins, Carter Q. Meekins, Curtis E. Meekins and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
Face masks are required for all individuals visiting the funeral home and church, regardless of vaccination status. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation.